Aprilia’s Guintoli Tops Final Day of Jerez World Superbike Test

As expected, rain hampered progress during the final day of private World Superbike testing Wednesday at Jerez Circuit in Spain.

Unlike Monday and Tuesday when the five-participating teams were able to achieve long testing sessions in the dry, the wet conditions caused much down time in the pits. But most of the teams utilized the rainy conditions to complete wet testing.

Aprilia Racing Team’s Sylvain Guintoli was the quickest rider Wednesday, the Frenchman posting a 1:42.118 aboard his RSV4. He finished 0.544 of a second ahead of Voltcom Crescent Suzuki’s Alex Lowes, and over a second ahead of Pata Honda World Superbike’s Jonathan Rea.

Sylvain Guintoli (Aprilia Racing Team RSV4) says: “For us these three days were important, first and foremost to get back into the saddle after Phillip Island. This has been a very long break and I needed to get some kilometers in with the bike. We also had quite a few details we needed to test, besides new electronics strategies, so these were some pretty intense tests. I’m happy with the refinements. When we get to Aragon we’ll be strong and motivated and that’s what’s important.”

Though he took the fourth fastest time, Lowes’ teammate Eugene Laverty suffered a crash during the end of Wednesday’s session. The Brit walked away unhurt.

These times were well off the quickest time of the three-day test, which was a 1:40.166 posted Tuesday by Ducati Superbike Team’s Davide Giugliano. The Italian, who finished sixth quickest Wednesday, showed much progress on the Ducati 1199 Panigale R at a circuit that doesn’t cater to V-twins.

Following the test, Giugliano feels the Ducati Superbike Team made much progress.

Davide Giugliano (Ducati Superbike Team 1199 Panigale R) says: “We’ve carried out many electronic and suspension tests that have allowed me achieve solid results on a track that wasn’t in the best condition as far as grip was concerned.

“The key thing is that, aside from the fast time, we’ve had chance to get back on the bike after a month and I’ve immediately regained the trust with my bike. I’m confident because every time I get on the Panigale we make significant progress. The team spirit is also fantastic and my technicians always give me what I need.”

The 2014 World Superbike Championship continues next week for round 2 of 14 at Motorland Aragon in Spain April 11-13.

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